Penland, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Penland, North Carolina
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![]() Penland Post Office
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Country | United States |
State | North Carolina |
County | Mitchell |
Elevation | 2,461 ft (750 m) |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
ZIP code |
28765
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Area code(s) | 828 |
GNIS feature ID | 1021863 |
Penland is a small, special community in Mitchell County, North Carolina, United States. It is an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. About 200 people live here all year round. Penland is located about 2.9 miles (4.7 km) west-northwest of Spruce Pine, North Carolina. The heart of Penland is where the Penland Road bridge crosses the North Toe River.
Discover Penland, North Carolina
Penland is found on the northern edge of the Black Mountains in western North Carolina. The North Toe River flows right through the community. This river is a branch of the Cane and Nolichucky rivers.
Historic Places in Penland
Penland has several important places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These places are recognized for their special history.
- The Penland Post Office and General Store is one of these places. It is famous for being the longest continuously operating post office in the area. It has its own ZIP code, 28765.
- The Penland School Historic District is also on the list.
- The Conley Ridge Cemetery and Beacon Church are part of a historic district. Beacon Church is known for its unique design. Conley Ridge Cemetery is important because of its connection to families from the 1800s. These families helped develop schools in the area, including the Penland School.
- The Henry Willis House is another historic building in Penland.
The Penland School of Crafts
Penland is named after Robert Penland, a rich local businessman from the 1850s. He ran an inn for travelers. The most famous place in Penland is the Penland School of Crafts. This school was started in the early 1920s. It is the largest and oldest professional crafts school in the United States.
The school offers many courses in different types of crafts and fine arts. Thousands of students and famous teachers come together here every year. Nine of North Carolina's seventeen "Living Treasures" live very close to Penland. These "Living Treasures" are people recognized for their amazing skills in traditional arts and crafts.